If you’re arriving late at one of Osaka’s Airports (Kansai Airport or Itami Airport), you may want to stay at a hotel near the airport when you arrive. Likewise, if you’ve got an early flight out of one of these airports, you can get more sleep if you stay nearby. Here are the most convenient hotels to these airports.
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport is just steps from the KIX arrival hall - image © Wei-Te Wong / CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
KIX is the main international airport for Kansai, serving Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Kyoto. Flying into KIX is a good choice for those who want to skip Tokyo. You have the option of staying at two good hotels right at the airport, or you can stay in Osaka near the stations for the three train services that connect the airport to the city: Namba (Nankai Line terminus), Shin-Osaka (Haruka Airport Express stop), Osaka Station (Kansai Airport Rapid Train terminus).
Hotels at Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Hotel Nikko guest room
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located three minutes’ walk from the arrivals hall of KIX, this is a solid hotel that makes the perfect place to stay after a long flight or before an early departure. I’ve stayed here many times over the years and I’m always happy with it. Rates are at the low end of the midrange.
Guest room at First Cabin
First Cabin Kansai Airport
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located a short walk from the arrivals hall at KIX, the First Cabin is a good budget option. It’s sort of like a premium capsule hotel. For a quick sleep before or after a light, it should fit the bill.
Hotels in the Osaka Station Area
One of the best ways to get from KIX to downtown Osaka is to take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Train (¥1210, 70 minutes). The train deposits you at JR Osaka Station, which is a great place to arrive and a great base for exploring Osaka.
Hotel Granvia deluxe twin room
Hotel Granvia Osaka
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located directly above JR Osaka Station, the Granvia is a very solid midrange hotel. The standard twins and doubles are fine here, but if you can afford a deluxe room, you’ll be very pleased. Surrounded by dining, shopping and transport options, this is a brilliant choice in Osaka and rates are well below other similar hotels in town.
Hotels in the Shin-Osaka Area
The fast and comfortable Haruka Airport Express train does not stop in downtown Osaka. However, but it does stop in Shin-Osaka which is a great “arrival area” and is right on the main Tokaido/Sanyo shinkansen line. The Haruka costs ¥2410 and takes 40 minutes from KIX to Shin-Osaka Station.
Shin-Osaka Station Hotel family room
Shin-Osaka Station Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A very short walk from Shin-Osaka Station, the Shin-Osaka Station Hotel is a fine hotel with very affordable rates. It’s got rooms for everyone from singles to families.
Hotels in the Namba Area
Namba is in the heart of Osaka’s Minami district, which is the city’s prime shopping, dining and entertainment district. Namba is connected to KIX by the fast and comfortable Rapi:t express train on the Nankai line (¥1130, 37 minutes). Namba is a great “arrival” area for Osaka and because the Rapi:t is so fast and reliable, it makes a good base for those with an early departure from KIX.
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka exterior
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Just steps from Namba Station, with fast connections to KIX and all parts of Osaka and beyond, the Hotel Royal Classic Osaka is one of the better hotels in the city. The premium rooms are very spacious and boast great views over the city. Rates are at the upper end of the midrange.
Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba guest room
Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A short walk northwest of Nankai Namba Station, the Gracery Osaka Namba is a great budget hotel in the heart of Osaka’s most bustling district. It’s a great “arrival” hotel but can also serve as a great base in Osaka.
Itami International Aiport (ITM)
Itami is the main domestic airport for Osaka, and it also has a few international flights, mostly to nearby Asian countries. It’s perfectly reasonable to take a taxi from the airport to downtown Osaka (about ¥4,000, 20 to 30 minutes). Otherwise, you can take a limousine bus to Osaka Station (¥650, 25 minutes) or a combination of the Osaka Monorail and the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Hankyu Umeda Station (¥430, 20 to 25 minutes).
Hotels at Itami Airport
Osaka Airterminal Hotel guestroom
Osaka Airterminal Hotel
(View on Agoda.com)
Located right inside the airport terminal, this hotel is the perfect place for a night after a late arrival or before an early departure. It’s an amazingly good value with rates in the budget range.
Toyoko Inn Osaka Itamic Airport guest room
Toyoko Inn Osaka Itami Airport
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If the Airterminal Hotel (above) is fully booked, the Toyoko Inn Osaka Itami Airport is a good choice. It’s walking distance from the airport and the rooms are basic but comfortable enough for a night.
More Information
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
